Lesson 20: Common Injuries and Emergency Procedures Flashcards
What is a muscle strain?
Injuries in which the muscle works beyond its capacity, resulting in microscopic tears of the muscle fibers.
What might a client feel in a mild muscle strain and severe muscle strain?
In mild strains, the client may report tightness or tension.
In severe strains, the client may report a sudden ‘tear’ or ‘pop’ that leads to immediate pain and weakness in the muscle.
What will occur following a muscle strain?
Swelling, discoloration (ecchymosis) and loss of function.
What are the 3 grades to a muscle strain?
Grade 1 - a mild strain where a few muscle fibers are stretched or torn. Injured muscle is tender, painful and may experience localized spasms.
Grade 2 - a moderate sprain where a large number of fibers are stretched/torn. More severe muscle pain, tenderness, swelling and noticeable loss of function + bruising.
Grade 3 - complete tear where there is complete loss of muscle function, severe pain, swelling, tenderness, discolouration and palpable defect.
What is ecchymosis?
Discolouration of the skin due to bleeding underneath - seen as bruising.
What is a hamstring muscle sprain often caused by and what are the risks of this?
They are caused by a severe stretch or rapid, forceful contraction such as sprinting.
The risk factors of this injury are poor flexibility, poor posture, muscle imbalance, improper warm-up and training errors.
What is a hip muscle strain caused by, how might it feel and what is the risk factor of this injury?
A hip strain is common in ice hockey/figure skating that require explosive acceleration/deceleration and change in direction with a lateral movement.
They may feel an initial pull of the inside thigh muscles followed by intense pain and loss of function.
The risk factor is a muscular imbalance between the hip abductors and adductors.
What are calf muscle strains most common in and what are the risk factors of this injury?
Calf strains are most common in athletes that participate in running/jumping sports. Risk factors include muscle fatigue, fluid and electrolyte depletion, forced knee extension while the foot is dorsiflexed and forced dorsiflexion when the knee is extended.
What are the most common joints for ligament sprains?
ankle, knee, thumb/finger, shoulder
What should a client expect when they experience a ligament sprain?
A ‘popping’ sound followed by immediate pain, swelling, instability, decreased ROM and loss of function.
What types of ligament sprains are of particular medical significance?
Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee.
What are the 3 grades to ligament sprains?
Grade 1 - microscopic tearing of collagen fibers with minimal swelling and tenderness
Grade 2 - complete tear of some collagen fibers with moderate tenderness, swelling, decreased ROM and possible instability
Grade 3 - complete tear/rupture of the ligament with significant swelling, tenderness and instability
What are the acute care actions for each grade of a ligament sprain?
Grade 1 - RICE (rest, ice, compress, elevate)
Grade 2 - RICE + physical evaluation
Grade 3 - Immobilization with air splint, RICE, prompt physical evaluation
What is the primary role of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)?
To prevent anterior glide of the tibia away from the femur.
What is the common mechanism of injury when someone injures their ACL?
Sudden deceleration of the body with a twisting, pivoting or side-stepping movement.
What is the primary role of the Medial Collateral Ligament in the knee?
To prevent medial bending (valgus) on the knee.
What are 3 common overuse conditions?
- tendinitis
- bursitis
- fasciitis
What is tendinitis? What is it usually caused by?
Inflammation of the tendon that is usually caused by starting new activities/programs too quickly and the tendon not handling the new level of demand, resulting in irritation that triggers an inflammatory response.
What is Bursitis? What is it usually caused by?
An inflammation of the bursa sac due to acute trauma, repetitive stress, muscle imbalance or muscle tightness on top of the bursa.
What are bursae/bursa sac’s?
small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between moving parts in your body’s joints.
What is fasciitis? Where is it commonly found?
Inflammation of the connective tissue called fascia, commonly seen in the bottom and back of the foot.
Damage to the joint surface of the knee often involves damage to what 2 cartilages?
- hyaline cartilage - covers the bone
2. menisci cartilage - acts as a shock absorber
Which is the most commonly reported knee injury?
Damage to the menisci cartilage.
When someone has a meniscal tear, what might they complain of?
Stiffness, clicking or popping with weight-bearing activities, giving away/catching/locking in, joint pain, swelling and muscle weakness.